Travel Guide Dankalia

The Dankalia region is a volcanic desert band of approximately 80 kilometres wide, extending roughly from the small fishing village of Irafale (approximately km south of Massawa) to the port town of Assab. At the heart of this region, the Dépression depression, a place known to be the hottest and most inhospitable of the planet, is often described by those daring to venture as "hell on Earth." Indeed, -116 m below sea level, daily temperatures often exceed 60 ° C and, in the middle of this desert desert, we should not hope to find a shadow. The depression begins on the edge of the Red Sea and extends to northeast Ethiopia where it is also known as Dallol.This region, which is at least hostile to the human species, is the land of the tribe of the Afars, which, in the image of the environment in which they live, is known as one of the most ferocious peoples in the region: until Eritrea is colonized by Italians, the Afars had the reputation of killing any foreign man entering their territory; they then cut their victim's testicles and wore them around their neck as a trophy. Nowadays, they are no longer a threat to those who venture venture into the Dankalia, but nevertheless an excursion in this remote region requires a good organization: a 4 x 4 is essential as well as a guide, petrol and water supplies in large quantities. Taking into account the season to which we are travelling is also more than desirable, the months of November to April being those where the temperature is most tolerable.To take full advantage of the unique landscapes offered by the Dankalia, it is not necessary to travel all the road connecting Massawa to Assab: the Buri peninsula and Badda Lake are undoubtedly the most sensational sites in the region. Mangroves with a variety of fauna, beaches bathed in turquoise waters, desert volcanic rocks such as coal, crossing lava flows and white salt plates as sparkling snow under the sun of lead are all rewards for which the visitor will have the courage to venture. It goes without saying that the lunar landscape we are crossing here is absolutely unique in the world.The Dankalia region was unfortunately closed to tourists when drafting this guide. A few lucky group travellers were nevertheless granted a travel permit to go to the Buri peninsula, but not further.